At a Glance

The Panama Canal. The Great Barrier Reef. Bombay. Pompeii. Petra ... We’ve strung together the world’s most fascinating places into one journey of a lifetime. Over 115 days, circumnavigate the globe, as we voyage on waters from the Pacific Ocean to the North Seagoing ashore to learn about 27 countries on four continents.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking up to 2 miles per day; some stairs and uneven terrain.

Best of all, you'll ...

Traverse the Panama Canal and learn about the history of one of the most difficult and dangerous engineering undertakings in the world.

Explore world-class cities like Sydney, from Bondi Beach to the famous Opera House.

Learn about geology as you explore the stunning fjords of Norway.

Suggested Reading List

View 23 books

A Traveller's History of New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands

by John Chambers

A brisk portrait of New Zealand and its culture, economy and society, this concise history also covers the settlement of the Pacific Islands.

30 Days in Sydney, A Wildly Distorted Account

by Peter Carey

An impressionistic account of Carey's native city, the result of his return visit (with a tape recorder) after an absence of 17 years.

The Trial of the Cannibal Dog

by Anne Salmond

The remarkable story of Captain Cook's encounters in the South Seas, told with authority and verve by a leading historian.

Lonely Planet Tahiti and French Polynesia

by Tony Wheeler, Jean-Bernard Carillet

This practical guide to Tahiti and French Polynesia includes a good overview of history, culture and nature and helpful travel details for your journey.

Indonesia, Etc., Exploring the Improbable Nation

by Elizabeth Pisani

Though she traveled 26,000 miles around the 13,500 islands that comprise Indonesia, journalist Pisani goes far beyond the numbers to explore what holds the impossibly disparate nation together. Along her journey, she debates corruption and cannibalism, navigates impossibly strange traditions and sleeps in a volcano.

Come on Shore and We Will Kill and Eat You All

by Christina Thompson

Historian Thompson effortlessly alternates tales of mostly disastrous early encounters with the Maori and the story of the love of her life, Seven, the Maori she married, in this endearing memoir.

The Path Between the Seas

by David McCullough

A great story, admirably told in vivid, page-turning detail, this is the one book to read on the creation of the Panama Canal.

The Singapore Grip

by JG Farrell

One of a trio of remarkable historical novels by J.G. Farrell, its centerpiece is the Japanese invasion of British-ruled Singapore. Ranging all over the colony from the slums to posh clubs and cricket fields, it's an evocative portrait of the colonial city in peace and war.

Pacific

by Simon Winchester

Subtitled "Silicon Chips and Surfboards, Coral Reefs and Atom Bombs, Brutal Dictators, Fading Empires, and the Coming Collision," Winchester's far-reaching history explores humanity’s relationship with the world’s largest body of water, the source of both great opportunity and terrifying natural disaster.

What the Buddha Taught

by Walpola Sri Rahula

A classic introduction to Buddhism by a respected monk and scholar from Sri Lanka. Provides translations from original texts with explanations for Western readers. A good foundation for anyone interested in understanding the foundations of Buddhism.

All Good Things, From Paris to Tahiti

by Sarah Turnbull

Her French husband posted to French Polynesia, the chipper Australian Turnbull, said husband and West Highland Terrier, Maddie, decamp from Paris to Moorea in this endearing memoir, which is about, among many things, her newborn son.

Asia's Cauldron, The South China Sea and the End of a Stable Pacific

by Robert D. Kaplan

Vividly analyzing the nations where the Western Pacific meets the Indian Ocean, Robert Kaplan explains why this area of the world is an important and turbulent region that we should all be watching.

Chasing Kangaroos

by Tim Flannery

In this ode to the kangaroo, Flannery weaves his own coming of age as a scientist with tales of the strange marsupial, past and present.

Tales of the South Pacific

by James Michener

The first of the big Michener novels, set in World War II Polynesia. It's great fun, and the basis for the Rogers & Hammerstein musical "South Pacific."

Pacific Journeys

by Peter Hendrie

A striking portfolio of 330 color photographs of the people, nature and landscape of the region, Hendrie's gorgeous book includes images from his many journeys to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, to Tahiti and the Marquesas, Tonga, Fiji, Easter Island and Hawaii over the last 20 years.

The Fatal Shore

by Robert Hughes

In this celebrated social history, both scholarly and entertaining, Hughes traces the fate of those who were transported to the penal colonies of Australia between 1787 and 1868. It's an engaging popular account, drawn from the experiences of the colonists themselves.

Playing With Water: A Passion and Solitude on a Philippine Island

by James Hamilton-Paterson

In this altogether wonderful memoir, Hamilton-Paterson writes with unusual warmth of his time among the villagers -- and under the water -- on a small Filipino island.

Running in the Family

by Michael Ondaatje

Award-winning author Ondaatje returns to his native Sri Lanka in this hypnotic travelogue. His lovingly traced family memoirs are interspersed with poetry and ruminations on the island's post-colonial history.

The Bone People

by Keri Hulme

Set on the South Island, this powerful novel brings together three troubled individuals who represent Maori and European traditions in contemporary New Zealand.

The Eaves of Heaven, A Life in Three Wars

by Andrew X. Pham

Pham recounts the story of his father's life during the French occupation, Japanese invasion and the American War, weaving such momentous events with anecdotes from his childhood and details of family, friends, food and daily life.

Tropical Nature

by Adrian Forsyth, Ken Miyata

Two uncommonly observant and thoughtful field biologists offer a lucid portrait of the tropics through 17 marvelous essays that introduce the habitats, ecology, plants and animals of the Central and South American rainforests.

The Happy Isles of Oceania

by Paul Theroux

The peripatetic author flies off to Australia and New Zealand with a kayak and ends up exploring much of Melanesia and Polynesia, including Tonga, Fiji and the Marquesas, in this wickedly funny, wide-ranging tale.

Island of Bali

by Miguel Covarrubias, Adrian Vickers (Introduction)

First published in 1937, this classic portrait of Bali captures the life, traditional culture and customs of the Balinese people.

Activity note: The time available in each port is set by the cruise line. Whenever possible, the Road Scholar daily schedule indicates port arrival and departure times (subject to change by the cruise line). Road Scholar delivers a robust educational program in each port, and this may mean that free time in port is limited.

Morning: Arrive in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Independent transfer to ship. All routes, field trips, and excursions are subject to change as weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions could affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of field trips and excursions without prior notice.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: Take some time after embarkation in the afternoon to unpack and relax before orientation. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. In addition to lectures and field trips exclusively for our Road Scholar group, you are invited to take advantage of the many activities and events aboard ship that are separate from the Road Scholar program. You will see a number of places in the daily schedule designated as free time when you can choose to do what you like and make your experience as personally meaningful, rewarding, and memorable as possible. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, attending performances or other events on your own, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow Road Scholars. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Aboard ship. Each evening aboard the ship, Road Scholar participants are invited to have dinner together with the Study Leader at the early seating in the main dining room aboard the MS Amsterdam, located on Decks 4 and 5, where we will have reserved tables. Dinners will be 4 courses (appetizer, soup or salad, main dish and dessert) with tasty choices for each of the 5 a la carte options on the menu, which will change nightly. Included beverages are coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. Other dining options on board the ship include the more casual Lido Restaurant (popular for breakfast and lunch), the pool side Terrace Grill or 24 hour room service. For an additional charge, you may opt to dine at the Pinnacle Grill specializing in aged steaks, lamb, poultry and seafood.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night's rest.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

4

Santa Marta, Colombia

Santa Marta

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Santa Marta history dates back to pre-Columbian indigenous communities that inhabited the area of the Sierra Nevada: the Tayrona people, renowned for their goldsmithing skills were the largest group inhabiting this region during the years 700-800 (approximately). Part of this legacy is in force in their descendants, the Kogi, Arhuaco, Wiwa and Kankwamo communities and the Gold Museum, where you will appreciate original pieces of jewelry of the Tayrona artisans. In 1525, Don Rodrigo de Bastidas founded the city of Santa Marta making it the first settlement of the conquistadors in Colombia and a commercial bridge between Santo Domingo, Spain and South America. During the field trip of the historic center, you will learn the interesting history of a town that was established as a stronghold of the colony during the XVI and XVII centuries, which was loyal to the Spanish crown during the Independence and was also the last place which hosted the Liberator Simón Bolívar. In the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where Bolívar died in 1830, you will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful colonial estate that was declared a National Monument; its precincts with original furniture that hosted the Liberator in his last days and recreate the customs of the time watching everyday objects in each of the spaces of the house. The Bolivarian Museum of Contemporary Art, the Altar of the Fatherland and the Botanical Garden will complete your visit to this monument.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship. The ship departs at 5:00 p.m.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

5

San Blas Islands, Panama

San Blas Islands

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship. The ship arrives in port at noon.

Morning: One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, the canal had an enormous impact on shipping between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans by replacing the long and treacherous route via the Drake Passage and Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America. A ship sailing from New York to San Francisco via the canal travels 5,900 miles, well below half the 14,000 mile route around Cape Horn. The first concept of a canal near Panama dates to the early 16th century but the first attempt to construct a canal began in 1880 under French leadership. It was abandoned, however, after 21,900 workers died, largely from disease (particularly malaria and yellow fever) and landslides. The United States launched a second effort, incurring a further 5,600 deaths but succeeding in opening the canal in 1914.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Panama Canal transit continues.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

7

Panama City’s Fuerte Amador-Panama, Miraflores, Casco Viejo

At Sea

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Activity note: Drive to Miraflores is approximately ½ an hour.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We’ll disembark the ship and start the day with a short drive to Miraflores to see the huge vessels passing through the Panama Canal. The busiest hours are from 9am to 10am and from 2pm to 5pm, so we will be able to see many ships getting lifted or lowered 16 meters in two distinct steps. Enjoy the view of the locks from a sheltered terrace while our local expert shares the history and details of these particular locks. We’ll complete our visit to the canal with a field trip to the Museum and Visitor Center at Miraflores where we’ll learn about the history of the canal, its significance for Panama, its influence on world trade, and the current expansion project. Next, we’ll continue with our local expert to the Amador Causeway, which is a road that connects three Islands in the Pacific Ocean and offers magnificent views of the Canal on one side and the skyline of Panama City on the other.

Lunch: In a typical Panamanian restaurant.

Afternoon: Carrying on to the Casco Viejo, Panama City’s colonial quarter, we’ll step back in time as we admire the lovely colonial houses, the narrow roads and the impressive churches. Learn about Panama’s history by driving or walking through the main attractions of this quarter. Afterwards, we will go to Panama Viejo: Old Panama. The first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas, Panama Viejo was looted and destroyed by the notorious English buccaneer Henry Morgan in 1671 and therefore abandoned. Today there are only ruins left. Still, the tower of the ancient cathedral is standing and has become a landmark of the town. We’ll then return to the ship which departs at 5:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

20

Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Depart by bus for a Field Study of Tahai for an introduction to the famous monoliths of Rapa Nui. Our first stop will be at Ahu Vai Ure, which is topped by five moai; Ahu Tahai (AD680); and Ahu Ko te Riku (12th century AD), a 15.5 ft. high 20 ton moai which is topped by a pukao (red scoria top knot). These three ahu, all facing inland, are part of one ceremonial compound which was restored in the 1960’s by the late archaeologist, William Mulloy. Located near Hangaroa at the edge of the ocean, the area also has excellent examples of hare paenga (boat-shaped house foundations), hare moa (chicken houses), umu (earth ovens), occupation caves and a boat ramp. The road along this coast is rough, but there are many ahu in this section of the island. At Hanga Kio`e, a small bay just past town, there are two more ahu restored by Mulloy. The first Ahu is surmounted by a small moai, and the second has a fragment of a statue. They were part of a larger site that includes Ahu Akapu with its solitary moai. The wall of Ahu Akapu originally reached to Ahu #2. Dr. Mulloy’s gravesite is also located at Tahai.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Continued exploration of Easter Island. The ship will depart at 6:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

26

Papeete, Tahiti-French Polynesia, Arahurahu Marae, Waterfall

Papeete, Tahiti

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Explore this paradise with your fellow Road Scholars. We will explore such magnificent sites as the Arahurahu Marae, an ancient meeting place restored to its former grandeur; the Vaipahi Garden and waterfall; the Arahoho Blowhole; Fa`aurumai Waterfall; Point Venus and Matavai Bay and the Isthmus of Taravao, here we will pass the base where the military have been located since 1844.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Continued exploration of Papeete.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

27

Papeete, Moorea-French Polynesia, Belvedere Viewpoint, Marae

Moorea

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Your ship departs Papeete at 5:00 a.m. and arrives in Moorea at 8:00 a.m. Heart-shaped and incredibly beautiful, Moorea is 15 miles across Tahiti’s “Sea of the Moon.” Surrounded by white sand beaches, marae (ancient stone worship sites), and spectacular mountain vistas, it is twice as old as Tahiti. Moorea has two stunning, neighboring, fjord-like bays - Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay - which give the island its distinctive butterfly shape. Enjoy an expert-led overview of Moorea with a visit to Belvedere Viewpoint with its beautiful vistas of the island and a stop at a well-preserved and restored historical marae. We’ll also get to view a farming valley inland of Cook’s Bay, the University of California Berkeley's Richard B. Gump South Pacific Research Station, the Atitia Cultural Center.

Morning: Bora Bora features an exotic Tahitian-French allure, with views of brilliant blue water and Mount Otemanu. We will set out from Vaitape, the island's largest city to explore the island. Bora Bora was a U.S. supply base during World War II and still holds much American military history and relics.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time. You may wish to continue exploring Bora Bora or return to the ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

30

International Date Line

At Sea

MS Amsterdam

Activity note: A calendar day is lost due to crossing the 180th meridian.

Morning: The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the Earth's surface, at approximately the 180th meridian (Longitude). While traveling west across the line, the traveler moves forward one day in time. Without the International Date Line, westward travelers found that one day more than they had thought had passed, even while keeping a careful tally of the days.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

36

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Auckland, the “City of Sails,” is New Zealand’s largest city and over one-third of all New Zealanders live in the greater Auckland area. It has a cosmopolitan population and the high proportion of indigenous Maori and other Polynesian peoples from the Pacific Islands have contributed distinctive elements to its cultural mix. This mix has been heightened by increased immigration from a number of Asian nations throughout the last decade or two. A third of the city’s population was born outside New Zealand. The city has a unique setting between two harbours on a narrow isthmus studded with numerous volcanic cones. To the east, the Waitemata Harbour provides New Zealand’s busiest Pacific port and a picturesque setting for the central business district and suburbs. Beyond this harbour lie the superb boating waters of the island-studded Hauraki Gulf. To the west, the broad shallows of the Manukau Harbour provide ideal habitat for large flocks of seabirds in the shadow of the rugged rainforest-covered Waitakere Ranges. Beyond these ranges the wild black-sand surf beaches of the west coast are a dramatic contrast to the gentle golden sand of the tree-fringed beaches of the east coast. We will drive across the Harbour Bridge to the north shore of the Waitemata Harbour. We pass through the sought-after suburban real estate of Devonport and view Auckland from North Head. Here we gain an idea of the myriad dormant volcanic cones that make up the Auckland landscape. We cross back over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and transfer to Eden Garden, a 5.5 acre, award-winning garden, created in an abandoned quarry at the base of Mt Eden.

Lunch: At Eden Garden, we have pre-ordered plated lunches. We will have time to explore the delightful gardens briefly on our own prior to or after lunch.

Afternoon: This afternoon we visit Auckland’s War Memorial Museum for a expert-led exploration of the permanent exhibitions showing us patterns of Polynesian and European settlement. From the museum we transfer back to the ship which departs at 6:00 p.m.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

37

Tauranga & Rotorua-New Zealand

Tauranga (Rotorua)

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Departing the ship, we’ll spend this morning visiting a local marae – the focal point of life for the Maori. Here, we will learn about some traditional customs and the efforts made to keep this way of life relevant in a contemporary society. Led by a local elder, we will gain exposure to some of the traditional arts of the Maori and learn of the connections they have to the land through an exploration of the local area with emphasis on the significance these sites hold for the local iwi.

Lunch: At the marae, we will have a picnic lunch.

Afternoon: We will then transfer back to our vessel. En route, we will visit Mount Maunganui, one of the kiwi locals' favorite holiday destinations. The ship departs at 7:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship. .

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

39

Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Wellington, the capital of New Zealand since 1865, is located at the southern extremity of the North Island. Its magnificent amphitheatre-like harbour, hemmed in by rugged hills, was formed by the flooding of the crater of a very large and long-extinct volcano. It provides a picturesque setting for the city’s distinctive wooden houses (many visitors have been known to draw parallels with San Francisco) set precariously on the steep hills. In addition to its role as the seat of government Wellington is a major seaport, rail and ferry centre and a commercial and manufacturing hub. Its compact city centre is immensely walkable and is full of life and interest. It has a vigorous cultural and artistic scene and is the home of many national cultural institutions. Thanks partly to the fact that it is the home town of Sir Peter Jackson (“Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy), Wellington is the focal point of New Zealand's thriving film industry. Our next field trip is to Zealandia, a sanctuary of native forest and lakes, a motorcoach ride of 10 minutes from the city centre. Here we will learn about some of New Zealand’s unique and fascinating birdlife. Expert volunteers will introduce these wonderful birds and explain the challenges of conserving rare and vulnerable species in New Zealand. We will learn the story of how local residents lobbied and volunteered to get this valley sanctuary set aside as a reserve and have it fully enclosed by predator-proof fencing.

Lunch: At a historic hotel close to Parliament, we will have pre-ordered plated lunches.

Afternoon: After lunch we walk across to New Zealand’s parliament buildings — including the aptly-named Beehive — for an expert-led exploration. We spend time learning about the relationship of the people of New Zealand and their government. The program today covers both the old and new government buildings and the historic and modern aspects of parliamentary democracy. We then return to our vessel.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship departs at 11:00 p.m.

DAY

40

Picton, New Zealand

Picton

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We explore Picton.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: The ship departs at 2:00 p.m. Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

43

Sydney, New South Wales—Australia, The Rocks, Bondi Beach

Sydney, New South Wales

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Sydney’s stunning natural harbour forms the centrepiece of a dynamic city that has grown dramatically since its beginnings as a prison colony. Situated in the temperate area of Australia, Sydney is surrounded by National Parks and has a beautiful range of flora and fauna. It is Australia’s largest city with nearly 5 million citizens thriving in a multi-cultural society in a congenial climate. Sydney is dominated by Sydney Harbour, of which Port Jackson is only a small part. The city covers a large area, twice the size of London with half the population, and has large parks and sparkling sandy Pacific Ocean beaches, such as the well-known and very popular Bondi and Manly. We disembark and have a guided walking exploration of The Rocks area giving us an insight to Sydney’s colonial past. The Rocks was the area of Sydney first settled by the British and it has a fascinating history and wonderful Sydney sandstone buildings. We then board our coach and transfer to Sydney's beach-side suburbs looking out over the Tasman Sea.

Lunch: At a typical, local Australian RSL (Returned Services League) club in Bondi, we will have pre-ordered plated meals.

Afternoon: We’ll then have a chance to stretch our legs on Bondi beach. En route back to our vessel, we will visit South Head to get a perspective of the city and harbor.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship is docked in Sydney overnight.

DAY

44

Sydney, New South Wales-Australia, Taronga Zoo, Opera House

Sydney, New South Wales

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Activity note: Walking about 3 miles in the morning over undulating paved surfaces; on our feet most of the morning. Walking about 2 miles in the afternoon over undulating paved surfaces with some stairs. Which areas of the Sydney Opera House we will see depends upon what performances and rehearsals are taking place at the time.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will take our motorcoach across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Taronga Zoo, located on the north shore, with delightful views across the harbour to the city. Here we will begin our study of Australian fauna. As well as meeting kangaroos, koalas and wallabies — and hoping for a glimpse of the rather more elusive wombat, echidna, and platypus — we will have a lecture from one of the keepers introducing some of Australia’s more dangerous inhabitants: spiders and snakes.

Lunch: At Taronga Park Zoo, we will have a buffet barbecue lunch.

Afternoon: We take a ferry back across Sydney Harbour to Circular Quay. We will walk around the Quay to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House, where we will have an expert-led exploration of this truly wonderful, iconic building, a masterpiece of late modern architecture. Exactly which areas of the Opera House we see will depend upon what performances and rehearsals are taking place at the time. There are five main performance spaces at the Sydney Opera House — the Concert Hall, the Dame Joan Sutherland Theatre (formerly the Opera Theatre), the Drama Theatre, the Playhouse and the Studio — and the availability of these spaces open to visits changes from day to day. We return to our vessel and have the remainder of the day at leisure. The ship departs Sydney at 6:30 p.m.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

52

Darwin, Australia

Darwin

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning, we will transfer from the ship to explore Darwin. We will visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and learn how aircraft and technology are used to deliver medical services in the huge distances of centraland northern Australia. Founded in 1928, the RFDS is now one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world, providing primary health care and 24-hour emergency service to people over an area of nearly 3 million square miles (7.3 million square kilometres). While in the city, we will also learn about the bombing of Darwin in World War II. We will gain an understanding of the impact of the war on Darwin and its inhabitants, both civilian and military. We return to the ship in time for lunch.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship, which departs Darwin at 6:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

55

Komodo Island, Indonesia

Komodo Island (Port of Call)

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Explore Komodo Island this morning.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship. You set sail at 4:00 p.m.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

56

Benoa, Denpasar, Bali-Indonesia

Benoa (Denpasar), Bali

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Benoa is located on Bali between Java and Lombok in the western-most end of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands. Highlights of the area include the Tanah Lot Temple, the Sangeh Monkey forest, views of Jimbaran Bay, as well as many artistic and cultural experiences. Learn about and explore Bali's forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to continue your exploration on your own or to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

58

Semarang, Java, Indonesia

Semarang (Java) (Port of Call)

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Activity note: Climbing to the top of Borobudur requires climbing steep, uneven stone stairs. You will slowly work your way up to the top, stopping along the way to admire the view and temple carvings. You may admire the structure from the bottom and wait for the group if you do not wish to make the climb.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today you will travel to one of the most spectacular sites in Asia, and the world's largest Buddhist complex - Borobudur. Built in 800 A.D. during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, this shrine to Buddha was quickly abandoned following the decline of Buddhism and Hindu Kingdoms and the rise of Islam in Indonesia. For centuries the complex laid forgotten under layers of volcanic ash until knowledge of its existence was sparked by Sir Thomas Samford Raffles in 1814. The site underwent a major restoration from 1975 to 1982, after which it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lunch: At a local restaurant en route.

Afternoon: Continue to Borobudur. At the site, you will climb to the top of the pyramid. Learn about the history and meaning of the site and take in the view of the Menoreh Mountains. Enough time will be given at the site to stroll around the complex and take in it's beauty. Return to the ship, which departs port at 5:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

60

Singapore

Singapore

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We’ll transfer from the pier to the civic district of Singapore where we will take a short walk around Queen Elizabeth Walk, visit the Old Parliament House, see the old Supreme Court and City Hall, which is now Singapore’s National Art Gallery. Carrying on, we’ll walk towards the Armenian Church, then visit the National History Museum where we can see Paul Revere’s Bell donated by Marie Revere Balestier, daughter of the famous Patriot Paul Revere.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Afterwards, we will proceed to the Urban Renewal Centre where we can see the development of Singapore and all future developments of Singapore. Then, we’ll visit the Chinatown enclave before our final stop of the day at the Orchid Enclosure at the Botanic gardens.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship stays in port overnight.

DAY

61

Singapore

Singapore

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Our field trips today will be focused on learning about a fascinating culture and people who primarily live in Singapore and Malaysia – the Peranakan. Although “Peranakan” can refer to other combinations of traditions and people such as Chinese, Indians and Indonesians, Peranakan culture is most often used to refer to the evolution of a culture stemming from the immigration of many Chinese to Malaysia and the ensuing intermarriage between these future patriarchs and local women. Inherently beautiful and eclectic in language and tradition, often with western influenced architecture, the roots of the Peranakan-Chinese in South East Asia can be dated back to the 12th Century. Our first field trip will be to Fort Canning where we will visit the Spice Garden to learn about the different spices that are used in Peranakan cooking, a unique fusion of Chinese and Malay flavors and techniques. Afterwards, we’ll visit the beautiful Peranakan Museum to learn about the cultures and lifestyle of the Peranakans. Then we will take a short drive by coach towards the enclave of Joo Chiat where we will see the traditional Peranakan influenced houses in their architecture and influence. Considered the highlight of the field trip by many, we’ll visit a traditional Peranakan Deli shop where we will be able to taste some of the popular desserts and savories. At the same time, have a look at the fine collection Peranakan fashion as well.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Return to the ship. The remainder of the afternoon will be free to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship, which departs Singapore at 6:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

65

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Disembark the ship and get ready for a unique, full day field trip during which we’ll learn more about agriculture and small industry in Sri Lanka. From the pier, we’ll drive to Uyanwatte Reservoir in Bandaragama. Here, our local expert will give us a brief introduction to the irrigation systems widely used in Sri Lanka and we will also see the Kithsirimewean Buddhist Temple, which dates back over 1,700 years. After visiting the temple, we’ll delve more into the local culture with an expert-led walk through Millaniya Village where we’ll see a rice paddy field and learn how pineapples, cinnamon, tea and rubber are grown and processed.

Lunch: At a village house, we’ll enjoy a traditional meal of rice, curry and fruit.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll learn more about some of the small scale industries that help drive the Sri Lankan economy by visiting a traditional iron workshop and learning how clay pottery and weaving are made on a small scale. Then, we’ll visit Ampitigala Temple where we will have the opportunity to engage in a discussion about Buddhism with the temple priest. We’ll then return to the ship, which departs 6:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

67

Cochin, India

Cochin

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Cochin (also known as Kochi), is a place with a fascinating history, where you will find synagogues, mosques, churches and temples coexisting side-by-side. It is a vibrant city situated on the southwest corner of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala. After breakfast disembark the ship and board the coach for a half-day discovery of Cochin. Start at Fort Cochin, where the Portuguese flag was first hoisted and is also believed to be the oldest settlement in India. Continue on to Mattancherry Palace, popularly known as the Dutch Palace, which was originally built by the Portuguese and later modified by the Dutch. In the palace you will find a fine collection of mythological mural painting and traditional Keralite flooring. Next, explore St Francis Church, the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his third visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis church. Although his remains were eventually taken back to Portugal, the site of his burial is marked inside. Along the Malabar Coast, stop to see the huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. Set up on teak and bamboo poles, the fishing nets are a legacy of the first visitors to this area.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship. Depart Cochin at 6:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

69

Mumbai (Bombay), India

Mumbai

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: The ship arrives at 07:00 AM today and will stay moored overnight. India's largest port, commercial and industrial center, fashion capital and heart of Bollywood (India's thriving movie industry), Mumbai is an endlessly fascinating hive of activity. Mumbai is a jumble of captivating contradictions: grand colonial architecture rubs shoulders with chaotic bazaars. Trendy restaurants, exclusive boutiques, slums and shanty towns, all interspersed with tropical palm trees. A melting pot of cultures from every corner of the country, Mumbai embodies India's diverse traditions. After breakfast, disembark and coach to the Gateway of India; Mumbai's most famous monument is the starting point for visitors who want to explore the city. It was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Ironically, when the Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became sort of an epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway. Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum), founded in the early years of the 20th century, the museum houses approximately 50,000 exhibits of ancient Indian history as well as objects from foreign lands, categorized primarily into three sections: Art, Archaeology and Natural History. The museum houses Indus Valley Civilization artifacts, and other relics from ancient India. Visit the Mani Bhawan, located on leafy Laburnum Road, a quiet lane named after its shady tree. Mani Bhavan is the old Mumbai residence of Mahatma Gandhi. It's a two-storied structure that now houses a reference library with over 2000 books, a photo exhibition of the Mahatma's life, and well preserved memorabilia, including an old charkha or spinning wheel that Gandhiji used to use.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch, witness Mumbai's colonial heritage through sites such as the Victorian Gothic Revival, Rajabhai Clock Tower, Mumbai University, High Court and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Stop at a Dhobi Ghat, or a public laundry, to see the sight of many men collectively washing, rinsing and drying clothes in the open air. Finally visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum). Founded in the early years of the 20th century, the museum houses approximately 50,000 exhibits of ancient Indian history as well as objects from foreign lands. See artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization, as well as other relics from ancient India. .

Morning: After breakfast, disembark ship for the visit to Dharavi. Dharavi is a locality in Mumbai that houses one of the largest slums in the world. It was founded in 1882 during the British colonial era. The slum grew in part because of an explosion of factories and residents from the peninsular city center and from the rural poor migrating into urban Mumbai. It is currently a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, diverse settlement with a total population estimated between 300,000 to about one million. Dharavi has an active informal economy in which numerous household enterprises employ many of the slum residents. It exports goods around the world. Leather, textiles, and pottery products are among the goods made inside Dharavi by the slum residents. The total annual turnover has been estimated at over US$ 500 million.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to explore on your own or to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship. Set sail at 6:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

73

Muscat, Oman

Muscat

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Activity note: Ladies visiting the mosque are required to cover their head with a scarf and must be fully covered. No shorts, sleeveless shirts, or beachwear is permitted. Men are also to be fully covered. Slip on shoes recommended.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: The city of Muscat is the largest city and the capital of Oman. Over the years, Muscat has been ruled by indigenous tribes, as well as foreign powers, including the Portuguese, Persians and the Ottoman Empire. Muscat offers a unique opportunity to witness a modern commercial center existing in harmony with its traditional culture. Disembark the ship this morning and transfer to the Bait Al Zubair Museum, where you will get an introduction to Oman's history and development. Drive along the waterfront Corniche, and visit the traditional fish market and colorful Muttrah Souq. Stop for a photo at the magnificent Al Alam Palace, the official palace of Sultan Qaboos, flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, visit the Bait Adam Museum. Have the chance to see a unique collection of currency, paintings, photographs, and weapon. After exploring the museum enjoy a small cooking demonstration featuring local delicacies.

Morning: This morning we will disembark the ship and transfer from the Aqaba port to the magnificent Wadi Rum for a visit in 4x4 cars (simple local 4x4 vehicles owned and operated by local Bedouins of the area).

Lunch: The 4x4 vehicles will drop you off at a Bedouin camp where you will have lunch under a Bedouin tent.

Afternoon: After lunch, the 4x4 vehicles will transfer you back to your bus. Board the bus and transfer back to the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Your ship stays in port overnight.

DAY

80

Aqaba (Petra), Jordan

Aqaba

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Activity note: Today's excursion will involve around 5 to 6 miles of walking over uneven terrain, and is not recommended for people with mobility problems or with wheelchairs. There are horse drawn carriages at the site of Petra that can assist (for an additional charge, paid on-site which can hold two guests), however they are available only on a first come, first serve basis, and cannot be guaranteed. If the guests take the carriage they will miss the explanation of the guide.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Disembark the ship and transfer by coach to the site of Petra. The name, Petra, derives from the Latin word, Petrae, meaning rock. Numerous archaeological excavations have taken place since its “discovery” in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Hidden in a great rift valley east of Wadi Araba, 80 kilometers south of the Dead Sea, Petra was the principle city of ancient Nabetaea, though subsequently ruled by several other empires including: Roman, Byzantine, and Persian. Our morning will be spent exploring this fascinating site.

Lunch: Buffet Lunch at a local restaurant

Afternoon: Coach back to the ship in Aqaba. The ship will leave at 11:00 PM today.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

82

At Sea, Transit Suez Canal, Independent Onboard Activities

At Sea

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: The Captain of our ship will comment the transit through the Suez Canal. The Suez Canal is a large, artificial maritime canal in Egypt west of the Sinai Peninsula. It is 101 miles long and 984 feet wide at its narrowest point, running between Port Said on the Mediterranean Sea, and Suez on the far northern shore of the Red Sea. The canal allows two-way water transportation between Europe and Asia without circumnavigation of Africa. Before its opening in 1869, goods were sometimes offloaded from ships and carried over land between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. The canal comprises two parts, north and south of the Great Bitter Lake, linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Gulf of Suez on the Red Sea.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Suez Canal transit continues. Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

85

Naples (Pompeii), Italy

Naples

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Pompeii, buried under ash during the devastating eruption of Vesuvius in AD79, provides an evocative and fascinating insight into the daily life of a prosperous Roman city. Among the extensive ruins are impressive temples, a forum, one of the largest known amphitheaters in the world, beautiful homes, and streets lined with shops and houses. After your visit to Pompeii, drive along the Amalfi Coast to admire the views along one of the world's most scenic coastlines.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we will enjoy lunch with coffee, tea, water.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will continue our exploration. We will then return to the ship which departs Naples at 6:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

87

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will enjoy a panoramic motorcoach ride of Barcelona, which will include many of the city center neighborhoods influenced by modernist artists, as well as a guided visit to Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia. We’ll continue our Gaudí experience with a visit of one of Gaudí's creations, Casa Milà, popularly known as La Pedrera, or the Quarry.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we will enjoy a sampling of tapas for lunch, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Morning: Meet our motorcoach for the drive to Seville where we will start the morning with a brief panoramic exploration of the city. We’ll then continue to explore Seville as we walk along the cobblestone streets of the oldest neighborhood of Seville – the Barrio Santa Cruz (ancient Jewish Quarter). While here, we’ll visit the magnificent Cathedral, which was built on the site of a mosque, is the third largest church in Europe, and is simultaneously the largest Gothic building in Europe. It also boasts the largest altarpiece in the world and the Tomb of Christopher Columbus..

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll have a 3-course meal with water and wine included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We’ll finish up our field trip with a visit to the spectacular Moorish Alcázar Royal Palace and gardens before returning to the ship, which sets sail at 5:00 p.m.

Morning: After disembarking the ship and meeting our local expert we will set out on a field trip and visit three monuments that bear witness to Portugal's past glories: the Monument to the Discoveries, Belém Tower, and Jerónimos Monastery.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity to explore Lisbon independently to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. The ship is scheduled to depart at 6:00 p.m.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

91

Historic Porto – Portugal, São Bento Station, Old Quarter

Leixoes (Porto), Portugal

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. The drive from the port of Leixoes into and back from the city is a little over 6 miles (10 km), approximately 1/2 hour; walking and standing during field trip.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: With age-old charm from medieval architecture to its wine heritage, Porto (Oporto in English) is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The historic center is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the UNESO inscription: “The city of Oporto, built along the hillsides overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, is an outstanding urban landscape with a 2,000-year history. Its continuous growth, linked to the sea (the Romans gave it the name Portus, or port), can be seen in the many and varied monuments…” We will board a motorcoach and transfer from the port of Leixoes into Old Porto for an expert-led exploration. Among the highlights we will see is the São Bento Railway Station with its renowned azulejo tiles that chronicle significant aspects of Portugal’s history and culture. On our way back to the ship, we will have panoramic views of the city.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to continue your exploration or to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship, which leaves port at 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

93

Port of Cherbourg France, Utah Beach, Bayeux

Cherbourg

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. The drive from the port of Cherbourg to Utah Beach is about 32 miles (52 km), approximately 1 hour. Walking approximately 1 hour, and standing during field trip.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will ride from Cherbourg to Utah Beach, one of the two American landing sites on D-Day, for a Road Scholar exclusive field trip. Our local expert will bring history to life as we discuss the Normandy invasion. We will also travel to Bayeux and examine the Bayeux Tapestry, an amazing representation of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The tapestry is nearly 230 feet long and illustrates events leading up to the Norman conquest of England, including aspects of the military campaign and daily life found nowhere else. The principle figures are William, Duke of Normandy, and Harold, Earl of Wessex and later King of England, culminating in the Battle of Hastings. The origins of the tapestry remain a mystery. One tradition has it that William's wife Mathilda and her ladies-in-waiting embroidered it. We will have a self-directed exploration using audio guides and watch a film in English about the making of the Tapestry.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will return to the ship in the late afternoon. The ship departs port at 5:00 p.m.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

94

Zeebrugge (Brussels), Belgium

Zeebrugge

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Activity note: You will be joining other travelers from the ship on today's shore excursion. The drive from the port of Zeebrugge to Brussels is approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours each way.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Depart the ship by motorcoach for the 90 minute to 2 hour drive to Brussels. Join your fellow travelers and explore Brussels.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue to explore Brussels and return to the ship late afternoon. The ship sets sail at 5:00 p.m.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

95

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We’ll join a local expert and set out via motorcoach for a field trip to explore some of Amsterdam's historical canals. While our local expert offers commentary about the history of this iconic European capital, we’ll take in some of the sights including the Royal Palace and the National Monument at Dam Square. Originally built as Amsterdam's town hall, the Royal Palace on Dam Square was opened in 1655 and was designed in grand style to reflect the city's economic prosperity. It became a royal residence when the Emperor Napoleon established his brother Louis as King of Holland, who had it elaborately furnished. It reverted back to the city when the French empire crumbled only a few years later. The succeeding Dutch Sovereign, King William I of the House of Orange-Nassau, was given permission to use it, as did other monarchs. The city sold the building to the State of the Netherlands in 1935, when it was offered permanently as the residence of the Royal House. When the palace is not in use by the royal family, it is open to the public. Dam Square is named for an actual dam on the River Amstel that was constructed on this spot in about 1270. It later became the city's central marketplace. Its turbulent history is nowhere apparent today and what we will see instead is the national monument of The Netherlands commemorating those who died in World War II. We’ll end the morning at the Albert Cuyp street market, the largest in Europe. More than a century old, it features nearly 300 vendors selling nearly everything imaginable, but the emphasis is on food – fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, spices, chocolate, cheese, and more – from local favorites to specialties from around the world.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship, which leaves port at 6:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

97

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will join a local expert for a brief exploration of Denmark’s enchanting capital city by motorcoach, including a stop to see the famous Little Mermaid statue. Then we will travel to Humlebaek to discover the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. The museum’s permanent collection includes more than 3000 works and is one of the largest in Scandinavia. We’ll pause in Helsingør (Elsinore) for a view of Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship. The ship departs Copenhagen at 5:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Set out to explore the vibrant city of Oslo. Learn about the political and cultural capital of Norway through the eyes of a local expert, and see some of the highlights of the city. See the enchanting Vigeland Sculpture Park and discover the history of Nordic exploration at the Viking Ship Museum. Return to the ship, which departs Oslo at 6:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Enjoy an expert-led motor coach ride around this endlessly fascinating city. We will ride to see the colorful and evocative murals of West Belfast, stopping at some of the most significant to hear further explanations and take photos. These murals represent signs of the time and the political transformation of Northern Ireland. We will also see Belfast City Hall.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship departs at 11:00 p.m.

DAY

104

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin

B,L,D

MS Amsterdam

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will set out on foot with a literary scholar to experience the sights, sounds, streets and monuments of James Joyce’s Dublin. Punctuated by readings, stories and bits of history, we will walk in the footsteps of Irish literary giants. Continuing our exploration, we will travel by coach and pass the Irish Parliament and visit the National Museum of Ireland, where we will enjoy a privately guided exploration of their renowned collection of Bronze Age gold work.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to explore Dublin on your own or enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Afternoon: Join our local expert on the Titanic Trail, a gentle walk through Cobh, a picturesque seaside town steeped in Maritime History. It was the final port of call for the ill-fated RMS Titanic, and the departure point for many immigrants to the Americas. We'll follow their story at the Queenstown Story, where we can retrace the steps of the 2.5 million adults and children who emigrated from Ireland on coffin ships, early steamers and finally on the great liners. Continue to the nearby city of Cork, for a panoramic drive around Ireland's second largest city.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard the ship, we’ll dine together in the company of new friends for our farewell dinner. Share some of your favorite memories and photos from the program.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and disembarkation in the morning.

DAY

115

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida-USA, Program Concludes

In Flight

B

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Disembarkation and transfer to the Ft. Lauderdale airport. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals

338 Meals

113 Breakfasts

112 Lunches

113 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Salt, Low Fat, Vegetarian

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

At the heart of the ms Amsterdam is the Planeto Astrolabium, a specially commissioned signature sculpture suspended and soaring in a three-story atrium. The stunning Astrolabe tracks constellations, the planets, world time and ship time. Dutch heritage and tradition aboard the ms Amsterdam is clearly displayed in original Art Deco pieces that once graced the Nieuw Amsterdam of 1938. For a contemporary touch, works of the noted maritime artist Stephen Card adorn public spaces.